The gateway to Machu Picchu and the former capital of the Inca empire, Cusco welcomes millions of visitors each year. We spent three days, before our Salkantay trek, exploring the ancient capital of the Inca empire. Suffice it to say, with history, culture, ruins, markets and great food, Cusco has much much more to offer than just Machu Picchu.
In no particular order, here are ten things to do when in Cusco:
#1 Chill in the Plaza de Armas
Situated in the historical centre, the Plaza de Armas is Cusco’s main square and a hub of daily life and activity. Religious buildings, restaurants, shops and tourist agencies surround the square and a fountain sits in the middle. We spent an afternoon sat on the grass soaking up the atmosphere and watching the world go by.
#2 Go on a walking tour
Walking tours are the best way to get your bearings and get some local insider tips and recommendations. Cusco’s history is especially interesting given its Inca heritage. Join a tour to learn more. We learnt about the spiritual representation of the Inca’s trinity (the snake represents the underworld, the puma the present life and the condor the heavens), and that Cusco was originally shaped like a puma.
Tours leave in the morning and afternoon and to join one, go to the Plaza de Armas. Even though they’re advertised as ‘free’, paying a tip at the end is expected.
#3 Buy an alpaca jumper
Have you been to Peru if you don’t go home with an alpaca jumper?!
We couldn’t leave Cusco without buying one for souvenir and practical purposes. Mine came in extremely handy as an extra layer on our hikes to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
There are lots and lots of shops and markets to choose from when buying them. If you go on a walking tour, your guide will normally suggest and show you a shop on route.
#4 Go to the markets
Spend a morning or afternoon wandering round Cusco’s colourful and lively markets. San Pedro market is bursting with stalls selling souvenirs, textiles, spices, raw meat, juices, fruit, vegetables, street food, random objects and the list continues…
With its diverse and fresh produce, San Blas is another market worth the visit. We went for lunch after our walking tour and discovered the most amazing juices and sandwiches. We loved it so much we returned for more!
The Machu Picchu sandwich (yep, that was its name!)
#5 Eat Peruvian cuisine at Yola Restaurant
When we asked our hostel where to go for tasty Peruvian food, they recommended Yola’s as a popular local choice. The food was delicious; we had lomo saltado (pork), trucha (trout) and chicha morada (purple corn juice!). Prices were reasonable and it was fun eating amongst the locals.
Lomo saltado
Address: Avenida Pardo 789
Also try the street food. Walking Cusco’s streets, you will see lots of mini food stalls. It’s always a good idea to follow the locals and go where they go. After our Rainbow Mountain hike, we tasted several food offerings. Skewers of anticuchos (beef heart) were one of them and actually alright at first. That opinion changed after a particularly chewy bit got stuck!
#6 Explore Cusco’s local ruins
Visit the ruins of Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Qenqo and Sacsayhuaman above Cusco. You can book a day tour to see them or you can visit them yourselves. Rather than do a tour, we decided to do it ourselves.
Tambomachay ruins
Trying to find the right colectivo (minivan/bus) to Tambomachay was trickier than expected. It did involve a small chase around the streets asking locals, policemen and shopkeepers left and right for directions. I was so happy I can speak Spanish! You can also get a taxi there.
The walk back through the ruins was really enjoyable and it was great to have a change from the usual guided tours, be more independent and do things on our own time frame.
Lunch time
Walking back through Cusco’s ruins
To get into the ruins, you will need to buy the tourist ticket (boleto turistico). The full ticket is valid for 10 days and allows entrance into many other attractions in Cusco. If you don’t have time to visit them all, there are several ticket variations to choose from.
Sacsayhuaman ruins
#7 Head to Cristo Blanco for panoramic views over Cusco
Next to the Sacsayhuaman ruins is Cristo Blanco, an 8 metre statue of Jesus Christ. Surrounded by a high fence and barbed wire, the statue itself isn’t that attractive or special. I found it a bit tacky and out of place if I’m honest. However, the views over Cusco are wonderful!
#8 Rainbow Mountain
You can visit Rainbow Mountain on a day trip or two day hike from Cusco. It’s completely natural with the colours coming from the presence of a variety of minerals in the earth. Click here to find out more about my trip to Rainbow Mountain.
#9 Maras Salt Ponds
Going to the salt ponds in Maras is the only thing on this list we didn’t do. We did consider it but eventually decided to keep moving and head on to our next stop. I now wish we had gone! They look incredible!
#10 And of course Machu Picchu
No visit to Cusco (or Peru really) is complete without a trip to the iconic Machu Picchu. With so many ways to get there, there’s a route that suits everyone’s schedule, budget and preferences. Click here to read about how we fared on our 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
How to get to Cusco
You can reach Cusco by plane or bus. From Lima, flying is the most popular option with the bus taking more than 20 hours. For those coming from Lake Titicaca, a bus from Puno is approximately six hours. We got the night bus from Arequipa which takes around ten hours. If arriving early in the morning like us, be prepared to wait for your beds. We waited in our hostel’s lounge area for almost five hours.
Have you been to Cusco? Do you have any tips or recommendations?
